Welcome to the last Soshified Spotlight of the year. This month’s Spotlight is very special and bittersweet for reasons I shall get into in Part 2. But before we get there, I should mention whom you’re going to learn more about this month. In Part 1 we get to meet bekkiglittz, or Bekki, a moderator here at Soshified. In Part 2, y’all get to meet, well, me, residentbenchwarmer. If you’re wondering why we’re featuring two staff members this month instead of our usual one regular member and one staff member, let me just say that this situation occurred for logistical reasons. But rest assured, next month the format will return to normal.

Bekki has gained a reputation as one of the hardest working moderators to grace Soshified, if not one of the hardest working staff members overall. She goes out of her way to be courteous to her fellow Soshified users, so if you’ve ever sent her a mean message, feel lucky that Bekki laughs it off, because others definitely may not. Attaining this reputation is no small feat, as Bekki’s schedule is already full as a childcare professional. A DBSK fangirl who used to be jealous of the girls, Bekki’s heart was won over when she decided to give Girls’ Generation, and in turn Soshified, a chance, and she has never looked back since that fortuitous decision.

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What is your first name?

Bekki. People always get it wrong, but it’s definitely spelt that way!

How did you find out about Soshified and why did you decide to join?

I’d heard about Soshified even before I’d heard about SNSD. It has such a good reputation amongst KPop fans. Before I was a SONE, I was literally the biggest fangirl of DBSK you could ever meet. I’d heard of SNSD previously due to their ‘Haptic’ CF with DBSK, but I wasn’t a fan. (Partly because I was jealous of Tiffany getting up close to YunJae, my biases. LOL truth.)

Anyway, I found a subbed version of this CF on YouTube, by, of course, Soshi Subs. It wasn’t until a year later that I decided to register at Soshified – mainly because I thought the layout was so creative and unique, and because I was hoping it would change my mind about the Girls’. I wasn’t an anti-fan by any means, but I wanted to get to know each of them individually, since I could only make out Jessica and Tiffany.

It’s not every day someone joins Soshified to change her mind about the girls. Why did you decide to try to change your opinion about the girls, especially considering you were jealous of Tiffany?

I was only ever-so-slightly jealous of her that one time when I was a delusional fangirl, haha. XD People grow up, and over time, their song’s started appealing to me. It was hard finding legit information about SNSD, though, as there were more haters than fans back then. So that’s how I decided to give Soshified a chance. And the individual sections were really helpful for me to put a face to a name, since it seemed like an impossible task at first!

How did you come up with your screen name?

Since ‘Bekki’ was already taken, I just used one of my nick-names. My friends call me this probably due to my love of all things cute and girly.

Where are you originally from, and where do you currently reside (city and country for both)?

I was born and raised in a typically British village in Yorkshire, England. It’s nice and picturesque, but very boring. Still living there, but I’m hoping to get out in the not-so-distant future. All you’ll find here are fields, farm animals and more fields. -o-

If we were visiting you where you live for one day, where would you take us? Why are these places so significant?

It depends on what your interests are. There’s a lot of peaceful and beautiful English countrysides on my doorstep, but for a fun day out, I’d take you to the city centre where there’s so many things to do. We can watch a musical at the Playhouse, shop ’til we drop in the high street, eat at my favourite Red Hot Buffet and as I’m a major sports fanatic, I’d take you to watch the Rugby League World Champions ‘Leeds Rhinos’ play. And you m-u-s-t experience a game of English football at Elland Road!

What makes Elland Road so special?

We have a great set of supporters, even if our team is total rubbish. If you’re a foreigner coming to England, I’d highly recommend that you check out a game of football. Honestly, the atmosphere is something you won’t get elsewhere. The best thing is the banter, and the worst? All the old men will rip off their shirts and wave them right in your face, even if it’s a blizzard outside. Never the young, good-looking ones, lol… -le sigh-

Tell us a little about your life. What do you do full time and in your free time?

My life right now is crammed. I work full-time in Childcare, which I do enjoy, but it is time-consuming with a lot of paperwork. When I’m not working – (which seems like a rare occurence, lol) – I’m either sleeping or out, shopping. My free-time used to consist of dancing, but life can change so easily, that I had to stop.

What’s the most interesting thing about you and/or that has ever happened to you?

It has to be the whole London 2012 experience for me. It’s hard to put into words the feeling of pride you get when you’re standing in the street with thousands of other people watching the Olympic Torch run past you, waving your little flag and cheering, and then getting the chance to hold it myself and mock run with it, haha. It’s heavier than it looks! But this Summer in general is something I will never forget. It’s been an eventful year to say the least. I was lucky enough to go to a Paralympic game, which was incredible. Hopefully in the future I can add ‘seeing SNSD perform live in England’ to the list!

How were you able to get to hold the torch and pretend to run with it?

The woman who ran through my village with it visited all the local schools and nurseries, so she came to my work. We were only allowed to have a picture taken with it, however, I went one step too far and she wasn’t impressed. But the way I saw it was… welp, I’m never going to come into contact with the Olympic Torch ever again, so I’d better enjoy the moment while it lasted! I got a telling off from my boss, but it was so worth being an Olympic athlete temporarily. I’m just dorky like that. ^___^

For people who are first meeting you (like most of us), how would you describe yourself?

Like most people, I’m quite shy at first. Until I get to know somebody properly, I’ll be polite, but I’ll hold back my true personality, which I’ll describe as a ‘weirdo’. I’m random and will spontaneously burst out into song and dance at any given opportunity. I’m a perfectionist which can irritate some people. Also, I’m very petite, and do not look my age at all which is a blessing!

Tell us some things that most people don’t know about you that you think they should.

I’m left-handed. For some reason this is always a ‘shocker’ XD Also, I’m what I would call a ‘realistic’ fan. As in, I will express my true feelings, which does offend some people. I don’t wear rose-tinted glasses and hold many unpopular opinions, but I always stay true to my beliefs.

Is there anything big in your life that you’re working on? (This can be related to school, career, hobbies, family, friends, etc.)

I’m currently saving up money so I can travel the world. It sounds silly, but it’s my biggest dream. One I hope to achieve before I’m 30. It’s hard, especially at this time of year, but I know it’ll be worth it in the end.

What are your interests outside of Girls’ Generation?

Playing and watching sports is my main interest. I love everything. FIFA ’13 and other video games. Fashion is my life, and I like to collect shoes for the hell of it. I also like to read books, play the piano and watch KDrama’s. I love all things Disney, and I’m a big Gleek, amongst other things… I like doing a lot, evidently~

How did you first become a fan of Girls’ Generation?

It wasn’t until I joined Soshified that I would consider myself a true SONE. I’ve known SNSD since early 2008 when my friends kept talking about a ‘Korean Morning Musume‘. Intrigued, I decided to check out their song ‘Into the New World‘ but I didn’t like it on the first play. (Preposterous, I know! >.< )

A year later, ‘Gee‘ came along and that’s when I first began to really notice them. It was just impossible at the time for me to figure out who was who, and I wasn’t interested enough to find out, so I kinda drifted away again.

Then a few months later… BAM. They release ‘Genie‘ and the rest is history. I fell in love. And since then, my life has changed completely. -o-

Who is your favorite member and why?

It took a while for one specific member to really stand out to me, since I’ve loved all 9 equally since the ‘Genie’ days. But last year, it all changed.

I’d confidently call Kwon Yuri to be my Soshi bias now, with Hyoyeon at a close second. What separates her from the other 8 members? I hate using this word, but she really is perfect to me. Not only looks-wise, but her kkab personality appeals to me. I love her unique voice, her passion for dancing, her love of Disney and staying fit and healthy…the list is endless. She is the most amazing role-model, and I definitely look up to her.

What is your favorite Girls’ Generation song and MV and why?

It will always be ‘Genie’ – even when they release English songs that I can sing along to and understand, nothing will top ‘Genie’ for me. Just the most flawless concept ever made! Not only was it the song that made me a fan, but it was a total transformation for the Girls’ and I loved seeing their mature side come out.

Favourite MV would be ‘Into the New World’ because it has meaning. It’s not just the Girls’ in a room, dancing. I love their choreography, but in the future, I want to see a plot develop in the video. And I wish SM would make more videos for SNSD ballads. ‘Time Machine‘ was beautiful. More music videos like that, please <3

What is your favorite Girls’ Generation moment and why?

After experiencing much heartbreak over favourite groups disbanding, I’d have to say every OT9 moment is my favourite. I know nothing in life lasts forever, but I want to experience this journey with the Girls’ for a long, long time to come. I can list examples, but everyone knows them already.

How has Girls’ Generation impacted your life, in specific areas or even as a whole?

They’re now one of major fashion influences. I love their casual airport styles, and check the Soshi Style site regularly to see if there is anything in my price range. Because of my bias Yuri, I started doing yoga, and now I can’t get enough of it! I’ve also made some really good friends because of a mutual admiration of SNSD.

What do you like most about Soshified, and why? Any section in particular you’re attracted to?

I love the Styling page the most. Thank you to all the Stylists that work hard on tracking down the Girls’ clothing! ^___^ It helps me a lot, and I appreciate your efforts. I love how SNSD is aware of us and how Tiffany drops by occasionally and we all have a spazz attack, haha. Soshified really is the best KPop fansite out there.

Sections-wise, I love seeing the new Photos of the Girls, so thank you to the regular uploaders. And also the hard-working Subbers. If it wasn’t for them, a lot of us wouldn’t be fans, so thanks to you guys as well. It’s also nice to talk to other UK Soshifieds, so I check that thread out regularly too. Thanks to Soshified for being the perfect home to SONEs, and bringing us all closer together!

Why did you decide to join the Soshified staff, and why the particular job you have now?

I just wanted to give back to a site that has done a lot for me. I actually couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be a Moderator or Stylist. Both positions differ greatly, yet are rewarding in different ways, but in the end I chose Moderator since I was reporting spambots like, 10 times a day and felt like a pest to them. lol. I figured if I got the position, I wouldn’t have to be a pain in the butt for Staff anymore! ^^

What exactly do you do? Do you enjoy this position? What do you like about it?

Like I said above, I ban the spambots, catch the spammers trying to get into the Subs section, PM members about rule violations, and I’m in charge of 3 sections – (Photos, Taeyeon and Yuri). So I have to regularly check the new posts, and Index the threads, etc. I do lots of different things! I also get a lot of questions and queries sent to my PM box. Yeah, it’s enjoyable, since I’m dealing with something different everyday. I like helping people out, and hopefully people that do PM me feel that I’ve been helpful to their needs.

I know being a moderator is very time-consuming. How do you find time to do that on top of everything else in your schedule?

Good question! ^^ It’s definitely a challenge juggling my various responsibilities at Soshified along with a million other things that need doing in my life, but I just make sure my everyday life takes full priority. Some days I don’t have time to log in to Soshified. However, I try and set myself goals for each day, so today I’ll focus on one thing and on another day, I’ll be doing something totally different. That way, I can try and work out how much time I actually have.

Everyday something interesting happens. Usually when I’ve PM’ed someone about breaking a rule and they get seriously angry at me. I always find that amusing for some reason.

Your peers have said that you handle your duties with grace, especially when you’re taking care of rule-breakers or confused people. Do you think the fact that you find rule-breakers who are angry with you amusing help you perform your job gracefully?

Haha, I wouldn’t say I do anything ‘gracefully’, but I think the fact that I’m not so serious helps. I know sometimes I come across as quite…hm, cranky? But 99% of the time, I’m so laidback I’m practically horizontal. Nothing fazes me. I just do my job the best I can, but I try and have fun with it at the same time. No-one likes a mean, unapproachable Mod, right?

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Merry Christmas, SONEs! And a Happy New Year, filled with Soshi goodness.
Thanks for reading this big wall of text♥

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Huge thanks goes out to Bekki for participating in Soshified Spotlight this month. As usual, you can submit nominations for future Soshified Spotlights if you’d like to participate or if you’d like to get to know a fellow member better. Instructions on how to do so can be viewed at the Soshified Spotlight Solicitation announcement.

You can also read past Soshified Spotlights by clicking on the “Soshified Spotlight” tag below.

Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com.
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lucky you get to touch the legit Olympic Torch. yep a once in a lifetime opportunity. good job! now you can tell your future kids and grandkids how their awesome grandma once touch the Olympic Torch. i just recently got a warning message from you. sorry for whatever i’ve done >_<. fantastic job on keeping the site running smoothly. i hope you get to follow your dreams and good luck with everything. oh and thanks for sharing your story. thank you too SSF. :)

Thanks residentbenchwarmer for the indepth interview and to bekki for all your hard work. I’m also a mod (on a high-traffic, nonKop forum) and know it’s not an easy job. You guys are providing an invaluable service. We Sones would be stuck with going to other, less friendly forums without Soshified.

Also, bekki, I hope one day you’ll get to hear “England, PUT IT BACK ON!”

i should start spamming those sections so i get a loud butt-kick. hehehe.
one time, got pm from tiffany thread volunteer cos of double post. was
newbie then. how about featuring her too. her name is MasterAdept. i
guess i deserve to know her cos she’s been a fan since ‘i don’t know’. :D